Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs Men's Ice Hockey
The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs men's ice hockey team is a collegiate ice hockey team representing the University of Minnesota Duluth. The Bulldogs compete in the NCHC (National Collegiate Hockey Conference) and have consistently been one of the top teams in college hockey.
The Team's History
The Bulldogs have a rich history dating back to 1930. In their early years, the team was not very successful, but they began to gain momentum in the 1960s. The team won their first national championship in 2011, and since then, they have been a dominant force in college hockey. The team has reached the NCAA tournament 16 times and has made 3 appearances in the Frozen Four.
Top Players
The Bulldogs have produced many great players over the years. One of their most notable players is Jack Connolly, who played for the team from 2008-2012. Connolly was a Hobey Baker Award winner and a four-time All-American. He is the Bulldogs' all-time leading scorer with 197 assists and 272 points.
Another standout player is Scott Perunovich, who played for the team from 2017-2020. Perunovich won the Hobey Baker Award in 2020 and was a two-time All-American. He is the Bulldogs' all-time leading scorer among defensemen with 105 assists and 105 points.
Recent Success
The Bulldogs have been incredibly successful in recent years. They won the national championship in 2018 and 2019 and have reached the Frozen Four in four of the past six seasons. The team has been particularly dominant on defense, with goaltender Hunter Shepard leading the way. Shepard was a key contributor to the team's national championships and was named to the All-Tournament Team in both 2018 and 2019.
Looking Ahead
The Bulldogs are poised to continue their success in the coming years. The team has a strong recruiting class and is returning many key players from last season, including Noah Cates and Jackson Cates. The Bulldogs will look to win their third consecutive national championship in 2021 and continue their domination of college hockey.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs men's ice hockey team is a dominant force in college hockey. With a rich history, top players, and recent success, the Bulldogs have established themselves among the top programs in the country. As they look ahead to the future, the Bulldogs are poised to continue their success and remain a force to be reckoned with in college hockey.